No one can be sure what the future of Michigan State football holds heading into the 2014 season, but here are a few educated guesses.Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

EAST LANSING — The Michigan State football program may never get completely comfortable with the notion of being the Big Ten favorites, and that's probably a good thing if you're a Spartans fan.

Those who understand Mark Dantonio's program realize the importance of the "chip" on the shoulder cannot be undervalued, regardless of how cliche outsiders might find that concept.

But added motivation or not, the No. 8-ranked Spartans are going to have their hands full trying to defend their Big Ten championship crown this season.

The season starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Spartan Stadium against FCS opponent Jacksonville State in a game that will be televised by the Big Ten Network.

Here are 10 predictions for the 2014 season, starting with one about Friday night's season opener:

1. JSU will do more than "Just Show Up"

That's the unofficial nickname for the school located in northeastern Alabama. By chance, I lived in Jacksonville, Ala., and I can tell you this game is just as important to the Gamecocks as it is to Michigan State, and they'll be ready to represent their proud and loyal fan base with athletic, physical play.

Don't be mislead by Jacksonville State's lower classification. I expect JSU to score two touchdowns against a Michigan State defense that will likely have more than one assignment/alignment snafu.

2. MSU will beat Oregon

The Spartans will learn from their mistakes against Jacksonville State, which like the Ducks plays an uptempo, spread offense. Dantonio will make the necessary personnel adjustments. It won't be a matter of "who deserves to play" anymore — it will be about playing the best players, regardless of class.

Michigan State will have the more balanced offense of the two teams in Eugene, and that will ultimately be the difference in a close game.

3. Connor Cook will be Connor Cook

Many have suggested quarterback Connor Cook can't throw interceptions or make mistakes like he did last year. Why not? It comes with the turf with Cook or any other gunslinger quarterback who throws the ball down the field.

Cook is going to make the occasional mistake, but he'll also continue to make the sort of throws you see on Sunday afternoons, and he'll continue to win.

4. Nicholson will play

Dantonio doesn't like playing true freshmen unless they play a major role, but in the case of a talent like Montae Nicholson, you find a role. It makes sense to get Nicholson snaps because starting free safety Kurtis Drummond is a senior, and there's a chance corner Trae Waynes will declare for the NFL draft if he has a first-round draft grade as many have projected.

Nicholson figures heavily into the future, if the not the present, perhaps as a candidate to spice up a pedestrian kick return game in addition to gaining valuable reps in the secondary or other special teams units.

5. The next fan favorite

Sure, a few people remember Ed Davis' name from his performance against Michigan in last season's 29-6 Michigan State victory. Davis, however, has what it takes to become the most recognized and productive linebacker on the team this season.

Not only is the 6-foot-3, 242-pound Davis among the most coordinated and skilled athletes on the team, he also plays with a mean streak, and he knows he needs to stay at his best to hold off Riley Bullough.

6. Road upset

Michigan State is not going to go undefeated, and while I expect the Spartans to take care of business in the biggest games — Oregon and Ohio State — there are three losable road games: at Indiana, at Maryland and at Penn State. Maybe it will be a case of bad weather, bad calls, bad breaks, but somehow one of these games will be a loss.

The Hoosiers' offense has given Michigan State fits, the Terrapins have a deep and talented receiving corps, and Nittany Lions' coach James Franklin motivates players like few others. And the Penn State game is the regular-season finale.

7. Limited Langford

Co-offensive coordinator Dave Warner has said he wants to keep tailback Jeremy Langford fresh for the stretch run, and with the wealth of talent and depth in the backfield this season, there's no reason not to use Langford wisely.

Langford will fall short of the 1,400 yards-plus he rushed for last season and finish closer to 1,000 yards. The Spartans will use Langford as a receiver out of the backfield more often, looking to get him into space where they can take advantage of his speed.

8. Bruising nail-biters

Nebraska has historically had Michigan State's number and will come to East Lansing with confidence, and Michigan is going to invade Spartan Stadium on a mission after last year's lopsided affair.

Michigan State should win both of these games, but I expect both to come down to the last possession. Win or lose, these games will be extremely physical and test the Spartans' depth. Michigan State catches a break with a bye week after the battle with the Wolverines.

9. Wide receiver break out

Seniors Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphery have each had seasons leading the team in receiving, but this year a new name will emerge — or re-emerge. It could be the ultra-talented Aaron Burbridge, who has NFL ability. Maybe it will be R.J. Shelton, a sophomore Dantonio has been very high on, and then there is the determined DeAnthony Arnett. AJ Troupe is another one that could surprise, as he's a physical deep threat. If Macgarrett Kings Jr. stays out of the doghouse, he could star.

10. Narduzzi's farewell

If the Spartans win the Big Ten, as many including myself expect they will, Pat Narduzzi is going to get a head coaching offer that he can't turn down — maybe even right here in the Big Ten. Many were surprised Narduzzi didn't leave after last season, but Connecticut wasn't the right fit and Louisville reached for Bobby Petrino.

Dantonio has said he has no plans to retire any time soon, so it's possible Narduzzi might still be the next MSU head coach — even if he leaves his defensive coordinator post after this season.

Note: That's right, there's no Damion Terry prediction. No telling what, if anything, Dantonio could have up his sleeve for the redshirt freshman quarterback/athlete.